EvoSkins Posted February 13, 2005 Share Posted February 13, 2005 The 2005 Talent Pool: Defence TSN.ca Staff http://www.tsn.ca/nfl/news_story.asp?ID=114584&hubName=nfl%20class= 2/11/2005 The following is a list of the best defensive players that might be made available in the offseason through trades of unrestricted free agency, along with their some possible prime destinations. Free agent season opens on March 2. DEFENSIVE LINE JOHN ABRAHAM (UFA) - The Jets will surely slap the franchise tag on Abraham, one of the league's top pass rushers. They can't afford to lose him. Prediction: Abraham will sign the one-year franchise tender and stay in New York. COREY SIMON (UFA) and DERRICK BURGESS (UFA) - The Eagles have decisions to make on the defensive line and they already made one - Simon got the franchise tag. In addition to these two, Hugh Douglas is also a free agent. Simon and Burgess, however, are the most attractive assets. Burgess made himself a lot of money in the postseason. Prediction: Simon will surely be back, through the one-year tender or a long term contract. Burgess will likely go, though, as the Eagles have some depth at defensive end - especially if Douglas returns. San Francisco or Cincinnati could use a young pass rusher. DARREN HOWARD (UFA) - The Saints' defensive end has quietly been a solid contributor, though he had some health issues last season. The Saints have a lot of depth on the line and can afford to let Howard test the maket. Prediction: Howard will be an excellent value signing for someone needing a good all-around end. Jacksonville should be a contender for his services. PAT WILLIAMS (UFA) - He's proven that he's better in a 4-3 scheme with help inside, but several teams are switching to the 3-4 and want a big man in the middle. Williams is nothing if not big. Prediction: The Bills should have enough to make room for Williams. He's an important part of their excellent defence. COURTNEY BROWN and GERARD WARREN - Romeo Crennel wants to switch the Browns to a 3-4 scheme, and will have to decide if these two money-makers are worth the coin in his system. Warren is not a prototypical nose-tackle, but might be a good defensive end. Brown would likely have to switch to linebacker, which would be a tough adjustment on his bad wheels. Prediction: Warren will probably re-structure to stay and play end, while Brown will be an unkind cut. He could sign with a team like Jacksonville or Washington, if he can pass a physical. CHRIS HOVAN (UFA) - He worked himself into Mike Tice's doghouse and will be shown the door. Prediction: It will be interesting to see what kind of market, if any, emerges for Hovan. He might be a fit as a depth player for Jon Gruden in Tampa Bay. LINEBACKERS JULIAN PETERSON (UFA) - Every player's nightmare is to suffer a bad injury ahead of his free agent year. That's what happened to Peterson when he ripped his Achilles tendon in 2004. Prediction: As good as he is, I can't imagine any team paying big money to a player coming off that injury. He will probably sign a one-year deal with the Niners, especially if he gets the franchise tag, and try the market in 2006 after he's proven his health. JEREMIAH TROTTER (UFA) - He made the Pro Bowl after taking over as the Eagles starter. They let him get away once because he wanted too much money, but it won't happen again. Prediction: Trotter will keep his demands reasonable so he can stay in Philadelphia. EDGERTON HARTWELL (UFA) - He's the odd man out as the Ravens move back to a 4-3 scheme. Hartwell had a good season next to Ray Lewis and should intrigue a lot of teams. Prediction: He'd be a good fit in a lot of place. He'd look good in the Raiders' silver and black. KENDRELL BELL (UFA) - He's in a tough spot. He's never played as well as he did as a rookie and was hurt all of last season. This smells like a one-year deal, and it won't be in Pittsburgh. Prediction: Someone with a 3-4 defence will take a chance. It might be Cleveland, which needs depth at inside linebacker to make the switch. DEFENSIVE BACKS PATRICK SURTAIN - He's been told by the Dolphins to pursue trade possibilities, and Miami would like some picks in return. Prediction: Although new coach Nick Saban would like a package of picks, it's not likely to come. The rumoured trade with Indy for Edgerrin James, though, is an interesting option. CHARLES WOODSON (UFA) and PHILLIP BUCHANON - Both starting corners want out of Oakland, but it's unlikely that the Raiders will allow both to leave. Since they have told Buchanon to pursue a trade, it seems likely that Woodson will get the franchise tag. Prediction: Woodson will sign the one-year tender after holdingout. Buchanon will search for a deal and might find one in Kansas City, as the Chiefs need to improve their secondary. But would the Raiders accept such a trade? Maybe Dallas is more likely. TY LAW - He says he's not giving up on the Patriots, but New England proved they don't need him on the corner to win the Super Bowl. They will probably try to get by with cheaper players. Prediction: Law and Belichick have mended their fences, but that doesn't mean Law's price tag has come down. Pittsburgh would do well to steal him away. DONOVIN DARIUS (UFA) - After a good season with Jacksonville, Darius could be in line for a big raise in 2005. There just are not many quality strong safeties on the market. Prediction: Jacksonville would like to have him back, but at what cost? The Jaguars will get it done and bring him back, using the franchise tag again if it's needed. ANTHONY HENRY (UFA) - He had 10 interceptions as a rookie and has turned into a solid starter with the Browns over the last few years. Henry is good, but not great. Prediction: He's already sold his house in Cleveland, so he's leaving. If Miami does trade Surtain, Henry would be a solid replacement. Otherwise, the Chiefs are always looking for a corner. GARY BAXTER (UFA) - He can play safety and corner, making him very valuable. He might not be a marquee starter, but he will start for somebody. Prediction: The Ravens know what they've got in Baxter. They can't count on Deion Sanders, that's for sure. Baxter will stay in Baltimore. ANDRE DYSON (UFA) - A decent starter, Dyson might be forced out by Tennessee's cap issues. He's made 13 picks in the last three seasons, starting every game for the Titans. Prediction: The Titans will be sad to see him go, but won't have the juice to intercede. Minnesota did well signing Antoine Winfield last year. Dyson would look great on the other side. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Rook Posted February 13, 2005 Share Posted February 13, 2005 Hmmm .... no Smoot. :confused: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sealskin Posted February 13, 2005 Share Posted February 13, 2005 It will be very interesting to see what Fred is offered on the open market. I think he is gone even if he is only offered a contract matching what we gave him. I still would like to get Lucas or Dyson as a replacement. Maybe Rolle if the money is right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stupidsuck Posted February 13, 2005 Share Posted February 13, 2005 they actually said something about moving Courtney Brown to Linebacker......that's kind of funny...it also mentioned Washington as a potential suitor, that's also funny....although maybe Arrington's presence could whip him into shape and vice versea Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[[ghost]] Posted February 13, 2005 Share Posted February 13, 2005 maybe teams will like not want smoot, and we can get him for a good price! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taylor Made Posted February 13, 2005 Share Posted February 13, 2005 Sign Courtney Brown to an incentive contract, that'd be nice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeHateMe Posted February 13, 2005 Share Posted February 13, 2005 I'd welcome Woodson with open arms to Dallas. But I cant see Oakland just letting him walk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TaylorPickSix Posted February 13, 2005 Share Posted February 13, 2005 I'd take Warren or Williams. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. S Posted February 13, 2005 Share Posted February 13, 2005 i wonder if Courtney Brown or Darren Howard would fit here well, Williams is good at bringing players out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TLusby Posted February 14, 2005 Share Posted February 14, 2005 Originally posted by Taylor Made Sign Courtney Brown to an incentive contract, that'd be nice If Wynn will not restructure I would like Brown as an option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disco Dave Posted February 14, 2005 Share Posted February 14, 2005 I would like Courtney Brown if he can pass a physical. Low contract with incentives. Arrington and him could cause some troubles for teams next year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedDawg36 Posted February 14, 2005 Share Posted February 14, 2005 I'd like to see CWood in a Redskins jersey but I guess that's unlikely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Renegade7 Posted February 14, 2005 Share Posted February 14, 2005 Burress showed up in the playoffs, and is small enough to play at linebacker as well. We got great pressure without a dominant DE, so we can only get better with someone who can add depth to the linebacker core (given Barrow is on the outs most likely) and he's someone who can be switched in and out at DE. Add to that, he should like playing his old team twice a year. Do it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clark84 Posted February 14, 2005 Share Posted February 14, 2005 No way I would ever want Charles Woodson. He thinks he is better than Champ, imagine how much ego that takes. Another high priced corner is not what we need. If we can't keep Smoot, we have Harris and maybe next year we can draft one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
36SKINS56 Posted February 14, 2005 Share Posted February 14, 2005 If smoot goes, dont get a high profile FA...just keep Harris...take a d linemen and we're set Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny_Blaze Posted February 14, 2005 Share Posted February 14, 2005 Courtney Brown, eh? He was picked before Lavar and Samuels wasn't he? I would not mind having him added to the team at a decent price... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sebowski Posted February 14, 2005 Share Posted February 14, 2005 Wonder if Greg Williams can get big Pat for us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedDawg36 Posted February 14, 2005 Share Posted February 14, 2005 So what if CWood thinks he's better than Bailey. Ty Law thinks he's the best. Chris McAllister thinks he's the best. You're kidding yourself if you don't think any of the elite corners have attitude problems as such. They all think highly of themselves. CWood is better than McAllister, not far from Champ and we havn't seen Ty "i'm gonna rough you up" Law in the new NFL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reaganaut Posted February 14, 2005 Share Posted February 14, 2005 Courtney Brown a Redskin? Wow that would be cool to have him with Arrington again. That would be worth the price of entry if he is healthy enough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skinzfan4life Posted February 14, 2005 Share Posted February 14, 2005 I am kind of interested in Howard from NO....but dont really know to much about him....he might not be a bad pick of for a decent price, same with Burgess...even if he is an eagle...he showed signs of being able to produce! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FBChick Posted February 14, 2005 Share Posted February 14, 2005 Originally posted by RedDawg36 So what if CWood thinks he's better than Bailey. Ty Law thinks he's the best. Chris McAllister thinks he's the best. You're kidding yourself if you don't think any of the elite corners have attitude problems as such. They all think highly of themselves. CWood is better than McAllister, not far from Champ and we havn't seen Ty "i'm gonna rough you up" Law in the new NFL. The so what is the amount of money he will try to ask for. Believe me, if we were willing and able to pay top dollar for a CB, Smoot would be staying. But we can't and we won't.. so we would make a contract offer even sweet enough to get this guy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrfriedm Posted February 14, 2005 Share Posted February 14, 2005 Well if we lose Smooty then will have to replace him through FA I think so... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DUSTINMFOX Posted February 14, 2005 Share Posted February 14, 2005 Courtney Brown could be interesting on this defense.... Though the most sacks he's had in a season is 6....he is often injured. Greg Williams could make him a great player; if Courtney wants to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BleedinBurgundyandGold Posted February 14, 2005 Share Posted February 14, 2005 plenty of top tier CBs available Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SRBFan Posted February 14, 2005 Share Posted February 14, 2005 Simon and Abraham have both been franchised by their respective teams. A few players that might fly under the radar that I like: Reggie Hayward, DE, Denver Chike Okeafor, DE, Seattle Jarvis Green, DE, New England (RFA, 4th round draft pick) Carlos Hall, DE, Tennessee (RFA, 7th round draft pick) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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